Watch This: Ché Part I

Ché Part I (The Criterion Collection) delivers pure revolutionary magic. Steven Soderbergh has directed a masterpiece that captures you in the first minute watching an extreme closeup of Benicio Del Toro in classic and iconic Che pose. This is an exquisite piece of filmmaking which is experiential and unique and tells the story in almost a holistic way, using black and white and color to jump from here to there throughout different significant times in Cuban history.

Del Toro is fantastic as Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and brings the role to life in such a way that you feel you are watching the actual human being.

One always picks the easy fight. One praises fools, one smothers light. One shifts from left to right. Politics – the art of the possible.

Though it is about strong Communistic beliefs, it never preaches or sells Communism. Instead, it is purely focused on this one man’s experience, feelings, vision, hopes and ideals about what he experienced – or – a most perfect character study. Many of the moments in the mountains feel so intimate and they draw you in so much, you feel as though you are there. Shot in a way that pays homage to the revolutionary spirit in Che that followers love, it is artistic and beautiful to watch as well as filled with fact.

Seeing how he thinks and being in his head to what he thinks is a treat beyond words. I’ve read many books and seen many documentaries but the way Benicio Del Toro portrays this character, combined with the script is so personal, it’s beautiful. I have a whole newfound respect for this actor who has paid Che a great tribute with his resolve, strength, passion, discipline, fearlessness, fervor, intensity and most of all love.

I cannot imagine anyone else playing this character, a true revolutionary with the heart of a poet and dreamer. I loved that it did not focus so much on action or violence and was more like a psychological study of the man and the revolution.

This is one of the most amazing works ever set to celluloid. A beautiful film, finely edited and masterfully presented with sensitivity and yet strength.

I am disappointed at those who let their own political beliefs close their eyes and hearts to the essence of this film which is not about us or them but about the human heart and spirit and the willingness to believe in something and go after it. In the end, it’s a human story about a man and his love for all men.